Abu Dhabi-based businessman Yusuffali MA has emerged as the most powerful Indian businessman in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the fourth time in a row. This was announced in a ‘100 most powerful Indians’ list released by Arabian Business magazine. Yusuffali, who owns the Lulu Hypermarkets chain of stores, took the top slot ahead of food giant Feroz Allana.
The GCC comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Standard Chartered Bank’s Middle East COO, V Shankar, came third, ahead of healthcare boss and owner of UAE exchange BR Shetty. Venture capitalist Ragu Kataria secured the fifth spot. Dubai-based lawyer Ashish Mehta ranked seventh. “The contribution of the Indian community to the growth of the GCC has been nothing short of spectacular, and everyone on this list has played and continues to play a major part in that story,” Arabian Business magazine editor, Ed Attwood, said.